18 Mar 2026
Cases of Canine Ehrlichiosis have now been seen extensively across northern Australia, from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Northern and Northwestern Queensland and down through northern parts of South Australia.
This is no longer a notifiable disease as the condition is now seen as endemic in these
areas and the chance of eradication of this terrible disease has long gone. There
is still a biosecurity obligation to take all reasonable steps if you suspect you
have an infected dog to prevent further spread of this disease.
Cases have been reported in every state bar Tasmania, however, at this point in
time, cases reported in both NSW and VIC have been from dogs that have
travelled from the Northern Territory. There are new restrictions on dogs
travelling into Tasmania as a result.
The number of areas where cases have been reported in QLD has increased and
at latest reporting (early 2026), many north and north western districts have been
listed including Mt Isa, Townsville, Carpentaria to list a few.
Any dog that is travelling through brown dog tick infested areas of Australia
(including the whole of Queensland) may be at risk of infection. Brown dog tick
infested areas include northern NSW, and with increasing climate warming, this
line may push ever southwards. Maps that show the extent of where the brown
dog tick is found throughout Australia can be seen on most (DAFF) Government
sites.
Equally, most state web sites now have fairly up-to-date information available on
Ehrlichiosis, the disease, its treatment and ways to try and prevent infection.
This is a deadly disease, and all dog owners should be aware of this advancing
threat.
Best sites to check:-
Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture: Search Results - DAFF - review details on Canine Ehrlichiosis guidelines for dog owners and guidelines for veterinarians. https://www.agriculture.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext=Canine+Monocytic+Ehrlichiosis%2C+a+guide+for+veterinarians
Ehrlichia canis information for veterinarians | Business Queensland -Â
updated 4.11.25. https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/service-industries-professionals/service-industries/veterinary-surgeons/ehrlichia-canis
I would strongly recommend that all owners regularly check their individual
state’s information bases (usually the Department of Agriculture) for regular
updates on this fairly rapidly moving situation. While 2 of these sites are aimed at
veterinarians, they offer very good information about the disease itself, its
diagnosis, treatment and above all, prevention!
Check dates, recent updates are important to keep in mind as the most current
information available of where the deadly disease is moving.
Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc,
Chair Dogs Australia Health and Wellbeing Committee
March 2026